Non-slip flooring is essential to making the bathroom a safe and relaxing space. A slippery bathroom floor can cause serious injuries that might result from a fall, especially for older people. Non-slip flooring is, therefore, a feature of all the mobility bathrooms we install. Because anyone can slip, non-slip flooring not only reduces the chances of falling but also makes showering and having a soak in the bath easier and more enjoyable. 

Disability can affect anyone at any age for many reasons, and when people get older, mobility may also be affected. Non-slip bathroom flooring for elderly people who are not experiencing mobility problems or dementia symptoms is also essential to prevent falls. According to the charity Age UK, bathrooms are where most accidents occur in the house. 

At Age Care Bathrooms, we believe everyone should be able to shower or enjoy a bath independently without the fear of tripping, slipping, or falling. In this guide, you will discover the three best types of non-slip bathroom flooring and the key differences between them. If you require any more information, our friendly team of bathroom experts are happy to help. Simply call us or request a call back today.

Types Of Non-slip Bathroom Flooring for the Elderly and Disabled

Choosing the wrong flooring for mobility wet rooms or bathrooms can lead to dangerous, life-threatening accidents. Smooth-surfaced porcelain or ceramic tiles often become extremely slippery when wet, posing a significant hazard. Upgrading to non-slip bathroom flooring not only enhances safety but also adds aesthetic appeal without significant cost, mess, or hassle. Here are three excellent options for non-slip bathroom flooring:

1. Non-slip bathroom floor tiles

Designed with textured surfaces or special coatings, these tiles provide a safer alternative to traditional ceramic or porcelain tiles. They come in various styles and finishes, allowing you to maintain a stylish bathroom without compromising on safety. 

Non-slip bathroom tiles must have a textured surface to be classed as non-slip.  However, the level of slip resistance can be different depending on the material used for anti-slip tiles. 

•  Ceramic and porcelain tiles. An R rating is assigned by the Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) to both ceramic and porcelain anti-slip tiles. The R rating number is between one and five; the higher the number, the greater the non-slip surface. Non-slip bathroom tiles with a minimum safety grade of four should be used for flooring in wet rooms and bathrooms.
• Stone tiles. Typically, stone tiles such as limestone or tumbled marble have a naturally rough or textured surface, making them non-slip. However, as they are porous, they will need to be sealed when used in a bathroom. It’s essential to check that anti-slip sealant is used, or once sealed, these tiles could become slippery when wet.

1. Bathroom rubber flooring

This option offers excellent traction, even when wet, making it ideal for wet rooms and bathrooms used by individuals with mobility challenges. Sheet rubber flooring is generally a less popular option as it is more expensive than vinyl flooring. 

When cost is not a concern, rubber flooring is durable, easy to clean, and available in various colours and patterns to match your bathroom decor.

Other benefits of rubber flooring are:

• Eco-friendly recycled rubber flooring is available. 
• Highly durable and resists dents and stains
• Naturally antimicrobial to prevent mould growth
• Provides a high level of shock absorbency, reducing the potential for injury if a fall does occur.

1. Non-slip vinyl flooring

A cost-effective and versatile choice, sheet non-slip vinyl flooring provides a textured surface that enhances grip. It’s waterproof and comes in numerous designs, mimicking the look of wood, stone, or traditional tiles while ensuring a safer bathroom environment. 

Non-slip vinyl tiles and plank flooring are less durable than ceramic, porcelain and stone tiles and are classed as water-resistant rather than waterproof. Yet, vinyl tiles offer a higher slip resistance and provide one of the best types of bathroom flooring for elderly or disabled users. However, this type of flooring is best avoided in wet rooms as it is not completely waterproof.

Additional benefits of sheet vinyl flooring include:

• Less expensive than ceramic, porcelain or stone tiles
• Easy to clean
• Low maintenance
• It can be cushioned to offer an excellent level of shock absorption, lowering the risk of injuries if an accident does happen.

Bathroom Safety Aids 

Choosing the best non-slip bathroom flooring for elderly and disabled users can certainly make the bathroom safer, but safety aids are still essential to reduce the risk of slipping or falling. 

You may also want to install some or all of the below mobility aids:

• Grab bars
• Support poles
• Shower seat or stool
• Bath seat
• Raised toilet seat.

If you’re updating your bathroom flooring, it’s an ideal time to consider additional upgrades for enhanced accessibility and convenience. This is the perfect opportunity to install features such as:

• Disabled toilet: Designed with accessibility in mind, disabled toilets provide features such as a higher seat, handrails, and more space around the unit. These adaptations make it easier for people with mobility issues to use the toilet independently and safely.
• Walk-in baths offer a safe and comfortable bathing experience for those who find getting in and out of traditional baths challenging. With a watertight door for easy entry and exit, built-in seating, and grab bars, walk-in baths eliminate the need to step over high tub walls, reducing the risk of slips and falls and allowing wheelchair users to have independent access to the bath.
• Walk-in showers are designed for easy access, often featuring a low or no-threshold entry. They typically include slip-resistant flooring, built-in seating, and strategically placed grab bars. These features make walk-in showers an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve safety and wheelchair accessibility in their bathroom.